Vettel: One-lap speed was ok, but not seen much from long runs

Sebastian Vettel was again third in his SF16-H with a time of 1.16.208 in the second free practice session at the Hockenheimring, in the run up to the 62nd German Grand Prix. At the end of the session, spent as usual evaluating the different tyre compounds’ suitability for qualifying and the race, Sebastian completed 39 laps, alternating between Soft and Supersoft tyres, before doing a final long run on the Softs.

Kimi Raikkonen ran a slightly different programme, also completing a long run on the softest compound. The Finn completed 45 laps, the best in 1.16.512. Quickest was the Mercedes duo of Nico Rosberg (1.15.614) and Lewis Hamilton (1.16.008.)

Sebastian Vettel (3rd, 1:16.208): “Overall the outcome of the two sessions has been positive, but we still need to improve our car overnight and do some steps forward. I think the one-lap speed was ok, I haven’t seen much from the long runs, I have spent most of the afternoon on Soft tires and they were lasting quite long, so I think overall it was ok but we still have to improve.”

“We have to work on the set up of the car, and bring it a bit better together, so that the car feels better for me on track and it suits my driving, then I can attack better and more. As for the new rules on radio communications, it makes it easier for us, in terms of remembering, so I think it is a straightforward decision.”

Kimi Raikkonen (6th, 1:16.512): “On Friday it’s always difficult to have a clear idea of where you are, from tomorrow we’ll understand more, but the session today was not too bad. For sure there’s some work to be done to improve, but more or less we are about there. Obviously we want to be in the front, so this evening we are going to focus on fixing some things and improve in certain areas, then I’m sure we’ll be ok.”